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Cobra Rebellion #3
Cobra Traitor
CONCLUSION TO THE COBRA REBELLION TRILOGY
Cobras: technologically enhanced warriors bred to fight an alien menace no ordinary human can withstand.
Once the Cobras fought the implacable alien invaders, the Trofts, to an uneasy stalemate. But in recent years they have faced an enemy more insidious, the oppressive regime known as the Dominion of Man. Now, the Cobra Worlds find themselves under the boot heels of the Dominion, forced into what amounts to slavery, living under martial law. But two clans of Cobras—the Moreaus and the Brooms—will not stand idly by and let the Dominion run roughshod over their home worlds.
Now a threat from without looms. The alien Troft are again planning an attack. Before, they came to conquer. This time they’ve come to annihilate. If the Cobras are to survive, they may have to do the unthinkable: align themselves with the hated Dominion.
Cobras are not known for taking the easy path—and this may be the hardest path of all. But If the Cobras can manage to avoid complete destruction or abject slavery, a new day may finally dawn on the Cobra worlds. The day of Freedom.
Book nine in the Cobra series and the conclusion of the Cobra Rebellion trilogy, from #1 New York Times best-selling author Timothy Zahn.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
About Timothy Zahn:
“Zahn keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace, maintaining excitement.”—Publishers Weekly
“[Y]ou can count on Timothy Zahn for three things: clean, sparse prose; good pacing; and great action scenes. The first book in the Cobra War series hits all those marks in admirable style and makes for a quick, entertaining sci-fi novel.”—Blogcritics
“[Conqueror’s Heritage] is another finely wrought space adventure . . . [with] social, political and emotional complications, all of which Zahn treats with his usual skill.”—Booklist
“Zahn paints every detail [in Angelmass] with gleamy realism . . . scientific dialogue that streams with starship hardware and military trooper talk . . . immensely appealing.”—Kirkus Review
Timothy Zahn is a Hugo Award-winner and author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Heir to the Empire. Born in Chicago, he earned a B.S. in physics from Michigan State University and an M.S. in physics from the University of Illinois. He sold his first story to Analog in 1978, and immediately attracted attention as a new writer of science fiction based on real, cutting-edge science. Baen published his popular Cobra trilogy in one volume. His other popular series include the Conqueror and Dragonback novels. Zahn has written over twenty novels, including the recent works A Call to Arms and Cobra Outlaw.
Cobras: technologically enhanced warriors bred to fight an alien menace no ordinary human can withstand.
Once the Cobras fought the implacable alien invaders, the Trofts, to an uneasy stalemate. But in recent years they have faced an enemy more insidious, the oppressive regime known as the Dominion of Man. Now, the Cobra Worlds find themselves under the boot heels of the Dominion, forced into what amounts to slavery, living under martial law. But two clans of Cobras—the Moreaus and the Brooms—will not stand idly by and let the Dominion run roughshod over their home worlds.
Now a threat from without looms. The alien Troft are again planning an attack. Before, they came to conquer. This time they’ve come to annihilate. If the Cobras are to survive, they may have to do the unthinkable: align themselves with the hated Dominion.
Cobras are not known for taking the easy path—and this may be the hardest path of all. But If the Cobras can manage to avoid complete destruction or abject slavery, a new day may finally dawn on the Cobra worlds. The day of Freedom.
Book nine in the Cobra series and the conclusion of the Cobra Rebellion trilogy, from #1 New York Times best-selling author Timothy Zahn.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
About Timothy Zahn:
“Zahn keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace, maintaining excitement.”—Publishers Weekly
“[Y]ou can count on Timothy Zahn for three things: clean, sparse prose; good pacing; and great action scenes. The first book in the Cobra War series hits all those marks in admirable style and makes for a quick, entertaining sci-fi novel.”—Blogcritics
“[Conqueror’s Heritage] is another finely wrought space adventure . . . [with] social, political and emotional complications, all of which Zahn treats with his usual skill.”—Booklist
“Zahn paints every detail [in Angelmass] with gleamy realism . . . scientific dialogue that streams with starship hardware and military trooper talk . . . immensely appealing.”—Kirkus Review
Timothy Zahn is a Hugo Award-winner and author of the New York Times #1 bestseller Heir to the Empire. Born in Chicago, he earned a B.S. in physics from Michigan State University and an M.S. in physics from the University of Illinois. He sold his first story to Analog in 1978, and immediately attracted attention as a new writer of science fiction based on real, cutting-edge science. Baen published his popular Cobra trilogy in one volume. His other popular series include the Conqueror and Dragonback novels. Zahn has written over twenty novels, including the recent works A Call to Arms and Cobra Outlaw.
- GenresScience FictionFiction
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
15 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Zahn
490 books8,622 followersTimothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he became a professional writer. He and his wife Anna live in Bandon, Oregon. They have a son, Corwin Zahn.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 5, 2019
Third (and last) in the third trilogy of the Cobra Rebellion of the overall Cobra military science fiction series and revolving around the Moreau-Broom family, as they and fellow Cobras work to save their Worlds from the Dominion.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Cobra books on my website.
My Take
There are plots within plots when it comes to the Dominion of Man (DoM) or the Troft. Well, the Qasama as well, since they've been sneaking about as well. Oh, yeah, and the people on Muninn... Hmmm, I guess the only ones without twisty plans are the Cobras.
The DoM has a patronage system amongst their military, i.e., one rises based on influence and not ability. A system that does not engender loyalty to anyone. "No man left behind?" Don't count on it. Makes me think of David Weber's Honor Harrington series and the Peeps. Of course that comparison fades when we learn how the DoM "reveres" women until circumstances change.
I've loved the Cobra series, but I gotta say I'm not a fan of Cobra Traitor. With three, four?, different substories, it's been unsatisfying and somewhat headache-inducing. Yes, it helps that Zahn uses a third person global subjective point-of-view, so we're able to peep in on all these different scenarios, but there have been too many twists and turns that flip everything on its head — let alone those nasty DoM soldiers!
There is a ton of action. There has to be to fit in all the betrayals. First there are the events on the Cobra World where the full impact of the DoM hits hard against our good guys. Then there's Barrington, an enemy Moreau who slowly reveals his humanity in the Dorian, which is chasing the Squire, which has its own dramas. And then there's Merrick on Muninn.
It doesn't help that these young Brooms are dismayingly naive, which only adds to my regret.
The Story
Having shunted the Cobras aside and forgotten their existence, now the Dominion of Man is back. And they're the enemy, invading the Cobra Worlds, forcing the Cobras into what amounts to slavery, putting their worlds under martial law.
But two clans of Cobras — the Moreaus and the Brooms ——will not stand idly by and let the Dominion run roughshod over their home worlds.
Now the truth of the Dominion's presence emerges. Their plan to doom the Cobra Worlds to save themselves.
The Characters
The Cobra Worlds are…
…five isolated worlds of humans, the Cobras, "technologically enhanced warriors bred to fight an alien menace no ordinary human can withstand", who were kicked out of the Dominion of Man and sent to the farthest reaches of the universe decades ago when they were no longer needed.
Aventine is…
…the home of the Broom family, and I think one of the five planets. It's currently governed by Governor-General Chintawa. Nissa Grendeves, his secondary assistant, hates the Brooms. Treakness had been the senior governor.
Paul Broom, a Cobra, was "arrested" in Cobra Slave , 7, and he's been fried by the DoM's MindsEye. Jasmine "Jin" Moreau Broom is his wife, Corwin's daughter, and the first woman Cobra. Their son is Lorne Moreau Broom, a Cobra. Merrick Moreau Broom, the youngest son, is another Cobra, who was taken by the Trofts. Great-uncle Corwin Moreau had been a governor with a ceramics hobby. Thena Broom has filed for a separation from Corwin. Jonny Moreau from Cobra is Lorne's great-grandfather. Jame Moreau had been Jonny's brother, who stayed behind in the Dominion.
More Cobras include Badger "Badj" Werle; Dillon de Portola; Emile Chun-Wei, a Capitalia Cobra, who is not one of Lorne's friends; Aaron Koshevski; Dreysler; "Kicker" Pierce; and, Jeffries.
Leslie and Ducha Jankos, the mother of Taras Jankos, one of three Cobras murdered by the DoM Marines, are civilians. Will and Christy are some of the techs working on anti-DoM defenses. Jennie Sider is/was the chief makeup artist for Anne Villager ; Kathia Rezondo and Doris are some of her people. Their current studio is based out of Badham's Market. James Hobwell and Polestar Productions had produced that show as well as Greendale and Tribecca . Ben Saller is a friend of Aaron's and a city pipe inspector. "Jeb Stuart Jones" is supposed to be undercover.
Capitalia is a traitorous city on the planet. Archway was where the "riot" took place. De Vegas province is controlled by the DoM.
Caelian is...
...a hell world allied with the Cobra Worlds but with a deadly environment ruled by Governor Uy. It was the focus of the subseries, Cobra War. Stronghold is its capital. Their Cobras include Popescu and Tammling.
Qasama is...
...a planet, a lost DoM colony allied with the Cobras, and ruled by Shahni Moffren Omnathi. Their medical expertise is a marvel.
The Squire is...
...the courier ship stolen from the DoM. Jody Moreau Broom, Smitty, and Kemp are Cobras. Rashida Vil is a Qasaman pilot. DoM Marine Gunnery Sergeant Fitzgerald Plaine hid aboard the Squire.
The Dominion of Man is...
...the human world that threw out their then-Cobras. The war was over, and they saw the surviving Cobras as a threat. I think the Dome is their central government with Asgard the military command center. Now the DoM has a use for them again and is forcing loyalty collars on any Cobra they can capture. And those Dominion Marines have more technically advanced Cobra-type enhancements that overwhelm our Cobras. MindsEye is a machine that sifts through the brain, taking its memories, with the possibility of destroying it.
Colonel Milorad Reivaro is in charge of the DoM Marines. The ruthless Captain Joshti Lij Tulu commands the Algonquin , a warship. Accompanying her is the courier ship, Squire; Falcon ; and, Hermes . Commodore Rubo Santores, who arrived at Aventine in Cobra Slave , 7, commands the Megalith , a war cruiser.
Captain Barrington Jame Moreau, grandson of Jame Moreau, commands the Dorian , another war cruiser. Lieutenant Cottros Meekan is Barrington's aide. Lieutenant Commander Eliser Kusari is the ship's engineering officer and Second Officer. Dr Lancer is the chief medical officer. Tactical Officer Castenello is not one of Moreau's allies. Commander Ling Garret is the first officer. Acting Captain Filho is in Castenello's camp. Corporal Kai. Sergeant Oponn is a Marine guard; Colonel Mwando is in command of the Marines, I think. The Iris is one of Dorian's courier ships.
Troft is...
…a rather generic term for a number of different demesnes — think of it as Troft equaling Earthling and a demesne equaling a country. Troft demesne-lords are never allies but temporary partners of convenience. Flicker nets are one of their typical weapons. Some of the demesnes include Balin'ekha'spmi, Hoibe'ryi'sarai, Drim'hco'plai, and Kreil'laa'misar.
The Hoibe'ryi'sarai (Hoibie) are...
...Cobra World allies along with the Tlossies.
The Balin'ekha'spmi (Balin) is...
...one of the demesnes with Commander Ukuthi, the fourth demesne heir, who will work with anyone.
The Drim'hco'plai (Drim) is...
...another demesne and one which has taken over Muninn, creating a mind-control war drug on this lost DoM planet where the naive Merrick "Hopekeeper" is still on the run with Anya Winghunter, both of whom are slaves who escaped the Trofts. Bersarkis is a drug made from bersark, some kind of plant that makes you go crazy from simple contact.
Svipall is the village on Muninn where testing and chemical studies are being done. Alexis Tucker/Turner Woolmaster has a ranch. Helga Herbseeker and Ludolf Treetapper are Anya's parents who abandoned her to the slavers and are leading their world's rebellion. I think the humans on this world have been exposed to Troft morality for way too long. Dyre Woodsplitter is Anya's betraying fiancé.
Kreil'laa'misar is...
...another demesne for whom Kjoic, a supposed Troft slave master, is actually a spy sent to learn more about a mind-control war drug.
The Cover and Title
The cover uses a black background to focus on da Vinci's Vitruvian Man with exploded boxes of those areas of the body that have been replaced on an enhanced Cobra as well as a few extra, nicely muscled arms and legs. There are arcing longitude and horizontal latitude lines against a space blue background inside Da Vinci's circle and box, which are outlined in a lime green with specks of blue-green "missiles" exploding outward. At the very top is a radial gradation in grays for this trilogy's series information. Beneath that is the book title in a gradated (and grayed), lightly highlighted teal. The series number is in the same series info gray to the right and in line with the second word in the title. The electric colors of Vitruvian Man take up almost two-thirds of the cover with the author's name in white at the very bottom. There is a testimonial in white within the graphic on the right. The publisher has an orange-to-yellows circular badge on the left.
The title reveals a most unexpected Cobra Traitor.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Cobra books on my website.
My Take
There are plots within plots when it comes to the Dominion of Man (DoM) or the Troft. Well, the Qasama as well, since they've been sneaking about as well. Oh, yeah, and the people on Muninn... Hmmm, I guess the only ones without twisty plans are the Cobras.
The DoM has a patronage system amongst their military, i.e., one rises based on influence and not ability. A system that does not engender loyalty to anyone. "No man left behind?" Don't count on it. Makes me think of David Weber's Honor Harrington series and the Peeps. Of course that comparison fades when we learn how the DoM "reveres" women until circumstances change.
I've loved the Cobra series, but I gotta say I'm not a fan of Cobra Traitor. With three, four?, different substories, it's been unsatisfying and somewhat headache-inducing. Yes, it helps that Zahn uses a third person global subjective point-of-view, so we're able to peep in on all these different scenarios, but there have been too many twists and turns that flip everything on its head — let alone those nasty DoM soldiers!
There is a ton of action. There has to be to fit in all the betrayals. First there are the events on the Cobra World where the full impact of the DoM hits hard against our good guys. Then there's Barrington, an enemy Moreau who slowly reveals his humanity in the Dorian, which is chasing the Squire, which has its own dramas. And then there's Merrick on Muninn.
It doesn't help that these young Brooms are dismayingly naive, which only adds to my regret.
The Story
Having shunted the Cobras aside and forgotten their existence, now the Dominion of Man is back. And they're the enemy, invading the Cobra Worlds, forcing the Cobras into what amounts to slavery, putting their worlds under martial law.
But two clans of Cobras — the Moreaus and the Brooms ——will not stand idly by and let the Dominion run roughshod over their home worlds.
Now the truth of the Dominion's presence emerges. Their plan to doom the Cobra Worlds to save themselves.
The Characters
The Cobra Worlds are…
…five isolated worlds of humans, the Cobras, "technologically enhanced warriors bred to fight an alien menace no ordinary human can withstand", who were kicked out of the Dominion of Man and sent to the farthest reaches of the universe decades ago when they were no longer needed.
Aventine is…
…the home of the Broom family, and I think one of the five planets. It's currently governed by Governor-General Chintawa. Nissa Grendeves, his secondary assistant, hates the Brooms. Treakness had been the senior governor.
Paul Broom, a Cobra, was "arrested" in Cobra Slave , 7, and he's been fried by the DoM's MindsEye. Jasmine "Jin" Moreau Broom is his wife, Corwin's daughter, and the first woman Cobra. Their son is Lorne Moreau Broom, a Cobra. Merrick Moreau Broom, the youngest son, is another Cobra, who was taken by the Trofts. Great-uncle Corwin Moreau had been a governor with a ceramics hobby. Thena Broom has filed for a separation from Corwin. Jonny Moreau from Cobra is Lorne's great-grandfather. Jame Moreau had been Jonny's brother, who stayed behind in the Dominion.
More Cobras include Badger "Badj" Werle; Dillon de Portola; Emile Chun-Wei, a Capitalia Cobra, who is not one of Lorne's friends; Aaron Koshevski; Dreysler; "Kicker" Pierce; and, Jeffries.
Leslie and Ducha Jankos, the mother of Taras Jankos, one of three Cobras murdered by the DoM Marines, are civilians. Will and Christy are some of the techs working on anti-DoM defenses. Jennie Sider is/was the chief makeup artist for Anne Villager ; Kathia Rezondo and Doris are some of her people. Their current studio is based out of Badham's Market. James Hobwell and Polestar Productions had produced that show as well as Greendale and Tribecca . Ben Saller is a friend of Aaron's and a city pipe inspector. "Jeb Stuart Jones" is supposed to be undercover.
Capitalia is a traitorous city on the planet. Archway was where the "riot" took place. De Vegas province is controlled by the DoM.
Caelian is...
...a hell world allied with the Cobra Worlds but with a deadly environment ruled by Governor Uy. It was the focus of the subseries, Cobra War. Stronghold is its capital. Their Cobras include Popescu and Tammling.
Qasama is...
...a planet, a lost DoM colony allied with the Cobras, and ruled by Shahni Moffren Omnathi. Their medical expertise is a marvel.
The Squire is...
...the courier ship stolen from the DoM. Jody Moreau Broom, Smitty, and Kemp are Cobras. Rashida Vil is a Qasaman pilot. DoM Marine Gunnery Sergeant Fitzgerald Plaine hid aboard the Squire.
The Dominion of Man is...
...the human world that threw out their then-Cobras. The war was over, and they saw the surviving Cobras as a threat. I think the Dome is their central government with Asgard the military command center. Now the DoM has a use for them again and is forcing loyalty collars on any Cobra they can capture. And those Dominion Marines have more technically advanced Cobra-type enhancements that overwhelm our Cobras. MindsEye is a machine that sifts through the brain, taking its memories, with the possibility of destroying it.
Colonel Milorad Reivaro is in charge of the DoM Marines. The ruthless Captain Joshti Lij Tulu commands the Algonquin , a warship. Accompanying her is the courier ship, Squire; Falcon ; and, Hermes . Commodore Rubo Santores, who arrived at Aventine in Cobra Slave , 7, commands the Megalith , a war cruiser.
Captain Barrington Jame Moreau, grandson of Jame Moreau, commands the Dorian , another war cruiser. Lieutenant Cottros Meekan is Barrington's aide. Lieutenant Commander Eliser Kusari is the ship's engineering officer and Second Officer. Dr Lancer is the chief medical officer. Tactical Officer Castenello is not one of Moreau's allies. Commander Ling Garret is the first officer. Acting Captain Filho is in Castenello's camp. Corporal Kai. Sergeant Oponn is a Marine guard; Colonel Mwando is in command of the Marines, I think. The Iris is one of Dorian's courier ships.
Troft is...
…a rather generic term for a number of different demesnes — think of it as Troft equaling Earthling and a demesne equaling a country. Troft demesne-lords are never allies but temporary partners of convenience. Flicker nets are one of their typical weapons. Some of the demesnes include Balin'ekha'spmi, Hoibe'ryi'sarai, Drim'hco'plai, and Kreil'laa'misar.
The Hoibe'ryi'sarai (Hoibie) are...
...Cobra World allies along with the Tlossies.
The Balin'ekha'spmi (Balin) is...
...one of the demesnes with Commander Ukuthi, the fourth demesne heir, who will work with anyone.
The Drim'hco'plai (Drim) is...
...another demesne and one which has taken over Muninn, creating a mind-control war drug on this lost DoM planet where the naive Merrick "Hopekeeper" is still on the run with Anya Winghunter, both of whom are slaves who escaped the Trofts. Bersarkis is a drug made from bersark, some kind of plant that makes you go crazy from simple contact.
Svipall is the village on Muninn where testing and chemical studies are being done. Alexis Tucker/Turner Woolmaster has a ranch. Helga Herbseeker and Ludolf Treetapper are Anya's parents who abandoned her to the slavers and are leading their world's rebellion. I think the humans on this world have been exposed to Troft morality for way too long. Dyre Woodsplitter is Anya's betraying fiancé.
Kreil'laa'misar is...
...another demesne for whom Kjoic, a supposed Troft slave master, is actually a spy sent to learn more about a mind-control war drug.
The Cover and Title
The cover uses a black background to focus on da Vinci's Vitruvian Man with exploded boxes of those areas of the body that have been replaced on an enhanced Cobra as well as a few extra, nicely muscled arms and legs. There are arcing longitude and horizontal latitude lines against a space blue background inside Da Vinci's circle and box, which are outlined in a lime green with specks of blue-green "missiles" exploding outward. At the very top is a radial gradation in grays for this trilogy's series information. Beneath that is the book title in a gradated (and grayed), lightly highlighted teal. The series number is in the same series info gray to the right and in line with the second word in the title. The electric colors of Vitruvian Man take up almost two-thirds of the cover with the author's name in white at the very bottom. There is a testimonial in white within the graphic on the right. The publisher has an orange-to-yellows circular badge on the left.
The title reveals a most unexpected Cobra Traitor.
March 18, 2018
2018 grade B
Long arc series book 9
Short arc series book 3
Book one was very good with a lot of character development and "world" building. Book two had a lot of interesting story development even if not quite as good. But book three was mainly conclusion with minimal character development and no "world" building.
So I found the conclusion of the Cobra Rebellion series a little disappointing . The first 372 pages, the build up to the final conclusion, were a little repetitive, not fully engaging, and forgettable. The remaining ~130 pages were the conclusions on the various fronts. The conclusions were fun to read but the plots were so complex and intertwined that by the time I got to the conclusions, I had forgotten how all the various characters had come to that point. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret reading it, but, after all was done, the Cobras did not really seem to have accomplished anything or won. In fact the Cobra and Dominion of Man worlds seemed worse off than before.
I think this will be the last Cobra book I will read because I don't really care what happens to the characters or worlds anymore.
Note: My copy is the 401 page 6x9" paperback edition (slightly difficult to hold and read) ISBN 978-1-4814-8280-6
Long arc series book 9
Short arc series book 3
Book one was very good with a lot of character development and "world" building. Book two had a lot of interesting story development even if not quite as good. But book three was mainly conclusion with minimal character development and no "world" building.
So I found the conclusion of the Cobra Rebellion series a little disappointing . The first 372 pages, the build up to the final conclusion, were a little repetitive, not fully engaging, and forgettable. The remaining ~130 pages were the conclusions on the various fronts. The conclusions were fun to read but the plots were so complex and intertwined that by the time I got to the conclusions, I had forgotten how all the various characters had come to that point. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret reading it, but, after all was done, the Cobras did not really seem to have accomplished anything or won. In fact the Cobra and Dominion of Man worlds seemed worse off than before.
I think this will be the last Cobra book I will read because I don't really care what happens to the characters or worlds anymore.
Note: My copy is the 401 page 6x9" paperback edition (slightly difficult to hold and read) ISBN 978-1-4814-8280-6
January 24, 2018
Cobra Traitor does a great job wrapping up the Cobra Rebellion Trilogy. Somehow, decades after writing the first Cobra books Timothy Zahn still captures the same atmosphere while introducing new enemies and technologies the Cobras have to deal with. Now I just have to reread the whole series again to put everything in one perspective. Simply great military science fiction.
March 27, 2024
This book was an enjoyable read. After finishing it, I have many thoughts.
I think this book may have had one too many povs. Lorne and Merrick’s stories were interesting, but their voices sounded almost identical. Jody, Jin, Paul, and Barrington did each have a distinct voice, though, which I appreciated.
This series is long. And complicated. And it looks like Zahn is setting up yet another trilogy? Which I’m torn about because, while I appreciate the way this series has looked at the long-term consequences of people’s actions over generations, it’s starting to feel like the long chain of trilogies will never end.
The above point might be helped if we had another generation skip. Book one of the original trilogy covered Johnny’s generation, book two followed Johnny’s kids, book three followed Jin, and then we’ve pretty much been camped out in the Moreau Broom generation for the past two trilogies. That’s a lot of history to skim through in the first trilogy only for the next two trilogies to focus in on roughly a year’s worth of history. I don’t know. Maybe Zahn can pull it off if there does end up being another trilogy. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
I think this book may have had one too many povs. Lorne and Merrick’s stories were interesting, but their voices sounded almost identical. Jody, Jin, Paul, and Barrington did each have a distinct voice, though, which I appreciated.
This series is long. And complicated. And it looks like Zahn is setting up yet another trilogy? Which I’m torn about because, while I appreciate the way this series has looked at the long-term consequences of people’s actions over generations, it’s starting to feel like the long chain of trilogies will never end.
The above point might be helped if we had another generation skip. Book one of the original trilogy covered Johnny’s generation, book two followed Johnny’s kids, book three followed Jin, and then we’ve pretty much been camped out in the Moreau Broom generation for the past two trilogies. That’s a lot of history to skim through in the first trilogy only for the next two trilogies to focus in on roughly a year’s worth of history. I don’t know. Maybe Zahn can pull it off if there does end up being another trilogy. I guess I’ll have to wait and see.
July 14, 2024
Nice to know I can still finish a long book in only 10 days..
At first it was because it was irritating, I wanted to get done Then suddenly it was exciting and I did not want to stop.
Little more politics than usual for Zahn, until Thrawn trilogies in Star Wars I suppose. That perhaps was the original irritation. Made sense by the end though.
Read carefully. The main plot twist is so subtle I had to go back and reread sections to be sure it could have happened. That is the Zahn I admire.
At first it was because it was irritating, I wanted to get done Then suddenly it was exciting and I did not want to stop.
Little more politics than usual for Zahn, until Thrawn trilogies in Star Wars I suppose. That perhaps was the original irritation. Made sense by the end though.
Read carefully. The main plot twist is so subtle I had to go back and reread sections to be sure it could have happened. That is the Zahn I admire.
June 18, 2019
This was my favorite of the trilogy. The stories were more intense and exciting, the plot more hairy and the characters more interesting. The ending resolution was very quick which was slightly disorienting but because this series has felt like a universe story there was definitely room to move through other stories in subsequent books which I liked.
February 26, 2018
42 WORD REVIEW:
Zahn brings another Cobra trilogy to an end, various storylines dovetailing into a slow-dawning frown of ‘So what?’. Characters and scenarios that are made to feel compelling in the moment prove upon reflection to be the effervescent froth of a fizzy drink.
Zahn brings another Cobra trilogy to an end, various storylines dovetailing into a slow-dawning frown of ‘So what?’. Characters and scenarios that are made to feel compelling in the moment prove upon reflection to be the effervescent froth of a fizzy drink.
July 30, 2018
A decent conclusion and while I missed reading #2, it didn't throw me off much. It's not a recommended first read for this series, you would be totally confused on who's on which side.
July 31, 2018
I had to re-read the previous two novels to understand who was who and how everything related to each other. And while a lot happens, it does have a quality of “been here, done that” before
January 19, 2018
A good follow on but with a lot going on so that things were rushed in trying to finish all the plots off.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews